Mumbai Local Update: Goregaon–CSMT Train Services Suspended for Three Months – Here’s Why

Mumbai: Commuters in Mumbai will face significant disruption over the next three months as the Goregaon to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) local train service will be completely suspended. The Western Railway administration has confirmed that the service halt is necessary to facilitate ongoing infrastructure upgrades on the Harbour line.

Western Railway Redevelopment
Over the past few months, Western Railway has been undergoing extensive redevelopment work. From December to January, construction on the fifth and sixth tracks between Kandivli and Borivali led to the cancellation of numerous local trains, affecting 200–250 services daily. Once that work was completed, normal local services resumed.

Why the Goregaon–CSMT Halt?
The fifth and sixth track construction between Mumbai Central and Borivali is part of the same redevelopment project. However, due to space constraints, constructing the new track has proven challenging. To create room, the railway bridge at Bandra-Khar will be demolished and rebuilt. As a result, the Goregaon–CSMT local service will remain completely suspended for three months.

CSMT to Bandra Services
Local services between Bandra and Borivali have already resumed after the completion of fifth and sixth track work. However, construction between Mahim and Santacruz is yet to begin. During this block period, CSMT–Bandra locals will operate in a limited capacity, offering some relief to commuters.

The Fifth and Sixth Track Plan
The Western Railway administration had planned the fifth and sixth tracks in 2024. Once completed, these tracks will divert mail and express traffic, freeing the main four lines for local trips. This will reduce congestion, improve schedules, and allow additional local services to be introduced.

Project Timeline
The redevelopment is part of a ₹964.84 crore project. Initially, the plan was to suspend Goregaon–CSMT services for six months, but the block has now been reduced to three months to minimize commuter inconvenience. The entire new line work across Western Railway is expected to be completed by December 2027.